The 12-year CFL veteran, who has played for the Bombers for the past 11 seasons, announced his retirement Monday.

Cvetkovic came to the Bombers from the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2003 and has made Winnipeg his year-round home since 2005. He quickly became a familiar face in the Winnipeg community for his involvement with several causes, including founding Cvet’s Pets, a not-for-profit organization that helps local Winnipeg no-kill animal rescue programs.

He is also involved with Variety, the children’s charity of Manitoba, among many other charities "and was always the first Blue Bomber to volunteer his time for appearances during the season and off-season throughout the province of Manitoba," stated a Bomber press release.

During the winter of 2011, he was one of seven CFL players who travelled to Haiti to aide in tsunami relief efforts through a program called Huddle for Haiti.

For his efforts, Cvetkovic is a two-time winner of the Ed Kotowich Award, which recognizes a Blue Bomber player for their "excellence in combining football ability, team camaraderie and extraordinary effort in the community."

“The Winnipeg Blue Bombers would like to thank Chris for his boundless contributions, both on the football field, and in our community, over the past decade-plus. His tenacity, desire to win and build team camaraderie was very evident during my time playing with him, and we truly appreciate all of his efforts,” said president and CEO Wade Miller.

“Chris was a valued member of our special teams unit for many years, and we thank him for all of his contributions to our football team. He was a great locker room guy, and a player whose efforts both on and off the football field will be missed,” added general manager Kyle Walters.